The Long and Short of It: Fall's Best Options

The long and the short of fall fashion—something of a mixed bag that will see you embarking on a magical mystery tour through the decades—is that the key trends swing both ways. Long and, well, short. Whether you dream of wrapping yourself in one of Gucci's or Prada's shaggy '70s coats, sharpening up in a smoking Giorgio Armani tuxedo jacket, embracing the new era of '60s a-go-go, coming back down to earth in 50 shades of brown, or all of the above, you really can have it your way. Fashion, you see, is accommodating everyone, and it's high time too, because we women are well versed in what works, and what doesn't, in the personal style department, thank you very much.

Terry Richardson

THE NEW FUR If your idea of the perfect winter coat is warm and shaggy, you'll be pleased to know that fur and shearling made their presence felt in all manner of shades—we're obsessed with pool blue and dove gray—and in many forms of furry. If short and chic is your speed, rock the look courtesy of a cropped bomber jacket (the '80s just had to creep in somewhere) and this season's other star, head-to-toe knits (we're calling it the new pajama dressing). If you're into a totally shagadelic statement, go full-blown yeti with a short coat. Just keep the volume up top. A skirt with a sexy slit teamed with knee-high mod boots is seriously groovy, baby. And commit this to memory: Matchy-matchy has never looked so good, especially when you take into account that hues of pale blue and gray are also the hot ticket in accessories.

Terry Richardson

THE NEW TUX Flying the flag for '90s minimalism, with a hint of '60s Le Smoking thrown in, a noir jacket completes a fall wardrobe. And again, you can play whatever role you like. A tuxedo pantsuit is strong and sleek, but add a pussy-bow blouse and a bejeweled evening bag to balance out the masculinity. Or for a feminine take on black on black, pair a longer, loosely fitted jacket (cinch it with a belt to show off your shape) with a floaty chiffon skirt. A metal breastplate will toughen things up.

Terry Richardson

THE NEW PRINT At the other end of the fashion spectrum, many a label was swinging back to the '60s, but it was Valentino that reignited lust for bold geometric prints and neon-color pops. If high-impact, high on the thigh is your jam, show off those pins in a minidress that would make Mary Quant melt. Steer clear of chunky platforms (or risk being mistaken for a Spice Girl, circa 1997), and opt for cooler-than-cool Beatles-esque buckled ankle boots. Prefer a softer approach to retro prints? Go for a '60s–'70s fusion with the help of a free-flowing, floor-length Agnona wave-pattern dress.

Terry Richardson

THE NEW KNIT Knits are huge this season, literally in some cases. And cardigan lovers will relish the return of fashion's unsung hero, the understated but oh-so-cozy brown. Call it Michael Kors's version of normcore, but earthy woollies are a major contender, and you can choose your own silhouette adventure here. A three-quarter-length knit dress is anything but bulky (even when accessorized with an oversize wool scarf), or for those who like to wear the pants, pair a cropped knit sweater with the new slouchy, wide-legged trouser. Then up the ante with gilt accents (glittering pointed stilettos and booties will ensure that you shine) and fashion's other neutral—leopard. All aboard.

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